EGBC_AnnualReport_2023-2024

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REPORT FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND CEO With continuous social, environmental, and economic changes globally, Engineers and Geoscientists BC remains anchored in our vision of modern regulation for a resilient world. This year, we worked with the newly-formed advocacy body for the professions—the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience—on plans to transfer advocacy activities to their future portfolio, including the Affinity Program, career advertising, and the Branch program. And, in May, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills confirmed the intention to develop a reserved practice for applied science technology for registrants of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, which we are supportive of. We also signed Engineers Canada’s National Statement of Collaboration with 11 other regulators, renewing our shared commitment to further advance public safety and increase regulatory efficiency with our counterparts across Canada. We are heartened by this progress, the positive partnerships we’ve built with these organizations and with government, and the benefit of this work to the public and environment. Last fall, the International Credentials Act was introduced to streamline registration for internationally trained professionals and attract new talent to our province. Though many of our processes (such as our competency-based assessment framework) already align with the Act , we have—and will continue to—analyze the Act’s impact on the professions and address areas for improvement to enhance equity and fairness for international professionals. We also saw strong results in our Continuing Education and Annual Reporting programs. This year, 91% of registrants completed their Continuing Education requirements on time—including the 60-hour rolling requirement for those practicing. Our individual and firm audit programs also completed their first year of operation, providing registrants with non-disciplinary, proactive feedback on how they meet their regulatory requirements. Being socially responsible remains a key focus for us, and is a critical component of our 2022–2027 Strategic Plan. Excitingly, we initiated an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation Working Group to build the visibility of underrepresented voices, and explore the challenges they face in the practice of engineering and geoscience. To date, this group includes 30 volunteers, and continues to grow.

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We initiated an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation Working Group to build the visibility of underrepresented voices, and explore the challenges

they face in the practice of engineering and geoscience.”

We also remain committed to continuous improvement. In April, we unveiled an optimized website, with new features to help registrants, applicants, firms, and the public find the important information they need. Throughout the fiscal year, we built a framework to guide how we engage with our registrants, prioritizing two-way conversations and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to help us make decisions. We also restructured and stood up six new registrant advisory groups to help us stay current on industry changes so we can best support registrants and their practice. And, finally: we were named one of BC’s Top Employers for the fourth year in a row. We take pride in this accolade, and in all the work we’ve all done to create a safer, more resilient British Columbia. We extend our deepest gratitude to our staff, volunteers, Board, registrants, and collaborators from coast to coast, and thank them for bringing heart and integrity to this important duty: protecting the public and the environment.